9 PM Current Affairs Brief – November 9, 2018

In a first, India to send two former diplomats to talks that include Taliban representatives News: Russia has invited a group of senior Afghan politicians to talks with the Taliban in Moscow, in which India would be participating at a “non-official” level. Important Facts: Russia in August proposed holding multilateral peace talks in Moscow and… Continue reading In a first, India to send two former diplomats to talks that include Taliban representatives

Centre to sell its entire stake in Dredging Corporation News: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved divestment of its entire 73.44 percent stake in Dredging Corporation of India to a consortium of four ports. Important Facts: 2. The consortium of four ports are namely Vishakhapatnam Port Trust, Paradeep Port Trust, Jawahar Lal… Continue reading Centre to sell its entire stake in Dredging Corporation

6 airports get Centre’s nod for privatisation; AAI to hold a minor stake News: The government has decided for operation,management and development of six airports through a public-private partnership (PPP) model of six airports. Important Facts: The chosen airports are of  Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Guwahati. This comes 12 years after Delhi and… Continue reading 6 airports get Centre’s nod for privatisation; AAI to hold a minor stake

Political economics: credit stimulus for MSMEs News: The Prime Minister has launched a support and outreach programme for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector to give a boost to the sector and help generate employment. Important Facts: Background: MSMEs, which account for 30% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP), were hit hard by… Continue reading Political economics: credit stimulus for MSMEs

Poor diet bigger health hazard than killer diseases: UN body News: A recent report released by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) found that poor quality diet is a greater threat to public health across the world than malaria, tuberculosis or measles etc. Important Facts: About the report: The report was released by… Continue reading Poor diet bigger health hazard than killer diseases: UN body